Academics and Learning

You can review your class schedule in GET through your MyCalStateLA portal in the Student Center or under Enrollment and “My Class Schedule,” or on the GETmobile app. Learn more about GET.

Most instructors will use the University's Canvas learning management system to send emails and communicate with you about your courses. Contact your instructors if you are unsure about how to start the semester in their classes.

The deadline to make changes to your schedule (adding, dropping or exchanging classes) is September 5. Adjusting your schedule after the last day to add requires additional approvals and payment of a $25 late submission fee. Drops after this date also require approvals and will result in a W-grade posted to your official record. The Records & Enrollment website is your resource for registration information and forms.

You can access Canvas, the University’s learning management system, through the Quick Launch links on MyCalStateLA, or at canvas.calstatela.edu. You can learn about the many features in Canvas with the Canvas Student Guide and this Canvas Overview Video for Students.

You can also download the Canvas mobile app by searching for "Canvas Student" in your mobile app store. After downloading the app, open it and select the "Find My School Button" when prompted. Start typing CalStateLA (no spaces) and select it when it appears. You'll then be asked to log in with your MyCalStateLA credentials. Find more information about the Canvas Student app:

How can I check out a laptop loan?

The Office of the Dean of Students offers laptops for loan to students who have a need for this technology in order to be successful in their learning and classwork through the Technology Loan Program.

You can find textbooks assigned to your registered courses for the term through the Student Center in GET by clicking “Order Textbooks Online” or directly through the Cal State LA Bookstore’s Find Textbooks webpage. Your instructors will also inform you of your required textbooks in your syllabus. 

You can rent or order your textbooks from the University Bookstore. The University Library also offers many course textbooks online and on reserve, as well as other affordable textbook options. 

The University Library is open to all Cal State LA students, faculty, and staff, with all floors, collections, public computers and printers, and one-person study rooms available. Learn more on the University Library website.

Helpful tips for student success while using Zoom from Cal State LA’s Center for Effective Teaching and Learning:

  • Test your audio and video before the meeting.
  • Close other applications on your computer, especially those with pop ups.
  • Make sure you are muted when not talking.
  • Be yourself and respect others.
  • Ask questions using chat, remembering the default is to everyone.
  • Use reactions to engage with your class.
  • Think before you write.
  • Utilize the “raise your hand” feature if you want to ask a live question.
  • If prompted, you can share your screen.

To join a Zoom room:

1. Go to calstatela.zoom.us, then select “Join A Meeting” at the top of the page.

2. Enter your instructor’s meeting ID, then click “Join.”

For phone-only access to a meeting:

1. Dial one of the following numbers to join the meeting:

2. Enter your instructor’s meeting ID followed by #.

3. When prompted for a Participant ID, simply press #. (You will not need a participant ID for phone only access.)

Zoom also has mobile apps you can download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Cal State LA Information Technology Services provides step-by-step instructions on how to get started with Zoom:

For more in-depth instructions and video tutorials, visit the Zoom Help Center. You can also take the 45-minute Learning Zoom course on LinkedIn Learning, which covers how to schedule, moderate and participate in Zoom meetings.

The University has also created a webpage with other Remote Access Resources that can assist with communicating and sharing documents using other applications such as Office 365, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams.

Contact the Information Technology Services Help Desk by phone at 323-343-6170, by email at helpdesk@calstatela.edu or submit an IT Support Ticket. Find additional Remote Access Resources on the ITS website. 

Cal State LA provides free or discounted software to eligible students, faculty and staff for use on their personal devices such as laptops or home computers. Find details about available software from ITS.

In addition, MyTools delivers software as an on-demand service to Cal State LA students, faculty and staff. MyTools provides secure access to virtual instances of commonly used software from anywhere, at any time, using a computer, laptop, tablet, or other mobile devices with an Internet connection. Learn more about MyTools.

The University Library provides comprehensive research guides by subject, offers helpful tips on academic writing and citations, and other information about research. You can also get direct research help by chatting online with a librarian, scheduling a Zoom appointment, or emailing a librarian with questions.  

Students interested in receiving services and accommodations must submit an online application to register with the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and undergo an intake appointment. Learn more on the OSD website.